Our Team
Our Team, Your Experience
Casa Tala is powered by a dedicated team that brings together expertise in hospitality, design, and community engagement. From seamless guest services to thoughtfully curated experiences, each member plays a vital role in delivering the comfort, authenticity, and impact that define Casa Tala.
Kat Sta.Cruz
Lead Designer and Owner at Casa Tala
Kathrina is the creative force behind the inviting spaces at Casa Tala.
Background in Hospitality & Real Estate
Starting with a boutique resort in Boracay in 2008 and house flipping in Metro Manila in 2010, Kathrina excels in transforming spaces into welcoming sanctuaries.
Design & Business Expertise
In 2013, Kathrina embarked on furthering her design knowledge by studying Constructed Environment at Parsons The New School. She graduated in May 2015 with a second degree in Interior Design, solidifying her ability to blend artistry with functionality. Her background also includes a Business Management degree from the University of Asia and the Pacific, equipping her to handle projects with strategic finesse. As the founder of Urban Farmer MNL, Kathrina is passionate about incorporating sustainability into every design element.
What Makes Kathrina Special
- Innovative Hospitality Projects: From tropical resorts to urban homes, she creates experiences that feel uniquely yours.
- Strategic and Creative Design: Her education and business savvy ensure every space is both beautiful and purposeful.
- Sustainability Focus: Committed to eco-friendly design, Kathrina integrates style with environmental consciousness.
Experience Kathrina’s unique touch at Casa Tala, creating spaces that captivate and inspire.
Kenry Sayat
Community & CSR Lead
Kenry brings heart and dedication to Casa Tala’s mission of creating meaningful guest experiences while uplifting the local community. With a background in engineering and a passion for service, he ensures that our operations run smoothly while also leading Pay It Forward PH initiatives that support scholarships and community programs.
As President of Pay It Forward PH, Kenry champions Casa Tala’s commitment to social impact and plays a key role in recommending and selecting team members—making sure opportunities are given to those most deserving. Known for his reliability, compassion, and people-first approach, Kenry bridges hospitality with community empowerment, ensuring that every stay at Casa Tala not only delights guests but also contributes to a greater cause..
-

Jade Garcia
GUEST SERVICES - AIRBNB HOMES
Jade is a licensed Aeronautical Engineer and a dedicated member of Team PI of Pay It Forward PH. Now part of Casa Tala’s Guest Services team, she brings precision, discipline, and a service-oriented mindset to every guest interaction. Her unique background and commitment to community upliftment ensure that visitors not only feel warmly welcomed but also experience the values that Casa Tala stands for
-
Chan Torres
EXPERIENCE CURATOR
As Casa Tala’s Experience Curator and one of the first members of Team PI of Pay It Forward PH, Chan brings creativity and heart to every guest journey. Passionate about showcasing Filipino culture and hidden gems, Chan designs experiences that go beyond a simple stay—transforming them into lasting memories. With roots in community work and a strong eye for detail, Chan ensures every Casa Tala experience reflects both hospitality and purpose.
-
Loyd Concon
FACILITY MANAGER
Loyd is Casa Tala’s trusted Facility Manager and one of the pioneer members of Pay It Forward PH. With hands-on experience and a deep sense of responsibility, he ensures that every space under Casa Tala’s care is well-maintained, safe, and guest-ready. His long-standing commitment to both hospitality and community work makes him an invaluable part of the team, balancing operational excellence with social purpose.
-

Keith Dela Cruz
Marketing Assitant and Guest Services - Acacia Residences
Keith is the Acacia Residences Manager at Casa Tala PH, combining her accounting background and passion for community service. A former BS Accountancy student at FEU Alabang, she paused school to care for her mother and later overcame financial challenges that led her to reconnect with Casa Tala PH and Pay It Forward (PIF).
Today, she manages guest services and supports marketing efforts while helping strengthen Acacia Lane’s operational and financial systems.
Her Purpose
Keith’s role goes beyond hospitality—she helps build a supportive living environment where tenants feel valued and empowered, aligned with Casa Tala PH’s mission of Seamless Stays, Lasting Impact.
Keith’s Vision
“A home should be a community where everyone feels supported and connected. That’s what I want to build at Acacia Lane.”
-

Elvira Mag-alasin
LAUNDRY HEAD
Elvira leads the Laundry Operations of Casa Tala PH, ensuring every linen and towel is fresh, sanitized, and hotel-quality for our guests. She has been a trusted member of the PIF Team Urban Farmer MNL since the beginning, serving as a community leader who helped organize product orders and operations during its early growth.
Her deep dedication, reliability, and attention to detail allow our housekeeping and guest services teams to operate smoothly — making sure every stay is as comfortable and hygienic as possible.
Elvira’s long-standing commitment to Casa Tala PH reflects her passion not just for hospitality, but for supporting her community’s livelihood and growth.
“Inaayos namin ang bawat detalye para maging komportable ang aming mga bisita — pati yung mga hindi nila napapansin..”
-

Mina Manieta
HOUSEKEEPING HEAD
Mina leads the Casa Tala PH Housekeeping Team with dedication to cleanliness, comfort, and genuine care. Coming from the PIF Team Urban Farmer MNL program, she brings strong hospitality experience and a deep commitment to service. She ensures every villa is spotless, guest-ready, and maintained to the highest standards of safety and quality.
As a leader, Mina trains and empowers her team to deliver consistent excellence — from daily turnovers and deep cleaning to coordinating maintenance and ensuring every detail feels like home for our guests.
Beyond Casa Tala, Mina is a hardworking mother and a Barangay Patrol Officer, helping keep her community safe — a true reflection of her heart for service.
“Kapag malinis ang paligid, panatag ang loob — yan ang hangarin namin para sa bawat bisitang dumarating.”